Iggy Pop and the Stooges celebrate their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Last night, at 8:30 sharp, a ceremony took place which inducted some of the biggest names in music into its highly esteemed ranks. That’s right folks, I’m talking about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 inductees ceremony.

The ceremony kicked off with Phish playing a cover of ‘Watcher of the Skies’ by Genesis, and then lead singer Trey Anastasio bestowed the honor upon the musical group.

Various covers were performed by other bands as well, including Maroon 5, Rob Thomas, Chris Isaak, and Faith Hill.

Here is a complete list of the inductees:

Jimmy Cliff

Genesis

The Stooges

ABBA

The Hollies

David Geffen

Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil

Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry

Jesse Stone

Mort Shuman

Otis Blackwell

On the whole, everyone seemed a little nervous onstage last night as songs were played, groups were introduced, and speeches were made. However, the positive vibe and good cheer was certainly in the air as new and old musicians alike paid their tributes to the inductees.

If you would like more information about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, there is much to see and do on their website. Just click the link.

After perusing around the internet for quite a bit, I happened to stumble across some very interesting tour rumors for Phish this summer. Fans have been eagerly awaiting some sort of announcement from the band.

Because of the successful 2009 tour, the band decided that it would play a 2010 tour as well, but have not yet released any information as to when and where those shows will take place.

Most likely, summer tour dates will not be released until later this season. After all, it is only February. We still have a ways to go. In the meantime, the rumors keep circulating.

I am a huge Phish fan. I love ’em. They make me happy when I am sad and excited when I am feeling lethargic. I just turn on that music and a different part of me comes alive. Although I’ve only seen the band live one time, I have not since had a better concert experience. Therefore, I have categorized my concerts by the following: those before Phish and those after Phish.

I hope he invites Chewbacca to the show.

Since the beginning of last year, the band has been touring once again, after a hiatus that was very uncertain. The band seems to be quite content with the status of their muscianship. They are adored by many fans. However, one member of the band is stepping out to do a solo tour.

Phish’s bassist, Mike Gordon, is doing a month long set of shows across the eastern United States. He will start on March 5 in New York and end on March 14 in New Hampshire. Mike will be joined by several other musicians on his tour: Scott Murawski (guitar), Todd Isler (drums), Tom Cleary (keyboards), and Craig Myers (percussion). Visit Mike Gordon’s website for complete tour information.

For those of you in my neck of the woods, this is good news. Mike will be coming right to our very own Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA. That show will happen on March 7. It makes me smile from my head down to my feet.

The news of this tour comes as no surprise, as it seems the members of Phish have a lot of making up to do. I would never go as far to say that they deserted their fans. They didn’t — but many fans were devastated when the band stopped touring. I suppose this is Mike’s way of saying, “sorry guys.”

It’s finally happened to me after all these years. That’s right, I finally went to my very first Phish show ever! Let’s just say this — I went on Tuesday night. It is now Friday and I can’t stop daydreaming about it, listening to my live Phish albums, and wanting to go back for more. This band has had a lot of time to perfect their shows…and they certainly have.

After releasing their first album in 1986 and touring for nearly twenty years, the band went on a haitus, a break that was much needed for certain members who had started overdoing the drugs (I won’t mention names here.) Nonetheless, that time gave them all a time out and a chance to think about what they wanted for the future of their music. Now they’re back, armed with a slick light show and some seriously funky beats.

Photo by Kate Langenburg

The crowd in the Wachovia Center Tuesday night was ridiulously large. I never knew venues of that size existed until now. (I also never would have guessed I would end up with a club box seat complete with my own private bar, bathroom, and sitting area.) Everyone in the entire place seemed to be grooving simultaneously, with smiles and good vibes permeating the walls of the arena.

Set 2: Possum>Down With Disease>Twenty Years Later>Harry Hood>The Mango Song>Mike’s Song>Simple>Slave to the Traffic Light>Weekapaug Groove

Encore: A Day in the Life

From the very first note of Chalkdust, I knew I was in for something great. When they went into a real funky Moma Dance, I was in heaven. Everyone was singing along with Reba one minute then, jamming out to Possum, then going into a free fall whirlwind of musical pleasure when they heard A Day in the Life.

Phish’s sound has certainly gotten stronger over the years, and I don’t see this band disappearing any time soon. They are loved by too many fans, have too much talent, and have the drive to keep on keepin’ on. I don’t even know which song was my favorite…they were all wonderful, amazing, beautiful, great. Check out my videos from the show by clicking on the song names below: